The Leader-News

Washburn Babe Ruth team takes championship

7/16/09 (Thu)

By Matt Hopper

It was an exciting weekend for Washburn’s first outing as a Babe Ruth team.The Washburn Babe Ruth Team took first place in the Dickinson Coke Tournament this past weekend. Games ran through July 11-12. Washburn had two teams entered into the tournament with players from Washburn, Wilton and Center-Stanton. Dirk Hausauer coached both teams made up of 17 kids altogether, which were split up to play in two 6-team tournaments. A few players, ranging from 13-15 years old, were divided into teams of older and younger players; a few players standing in on both teams and playing all games. "We were the only class B school in the tournament," said coach Hausauer. "We didn’t know how our players would react to playing class A teams. There’s a bit of a stigma there, but I thought they’d do well after getting over that." And did they ever.Washburn’s first game was against Williston. Washburn won 5-3 in their first outing. Kirk Sailer pitched a no hitter that first game with eight strikeouts and only one walk.The second game saw Washburn against Bismarck’s #1 team. Washburn won that game 5-0. Brett Schreiner pitched with eight strikeouts and only gave up two hits. Washburn’s second game was better, in theory, as they were ahead 4-0 without any hits.